PAR 5: Storylines abound as Merion hosts U.S. Open

There's certainly no shortage of storylines surrounding golf's second major of the year.

Ranging from Mother Nature and wicker baskets to a guy named Tiger — the 113th U.S. Open is loaded with intrigue.

So, as our national championship prepares to tee off tomorrow at a historic site located in a small suburb outside of Philadelphia, here are five things to watch for:

Merion's mystic vs. today's game

Opened in 1912, the East Course at Merion Golf Club has withstood the test of time in earning the right to host its fifth U.S. Open.

Still, one burning question looms: Can a traditional setting prove worthy against today's modern style of play?

With endless advancements in equipment, fitness and overall talent, the game has changed dramatically since 1981 — the last time the Open was held at Merion.

Measuring 6,996 yards on the scorecard, the East Course offers the shortest layout for a major championship since 2004, requiring more finesse than power.

Contributing to any doubt has been the substantial rainfall experienced over the past week, with the venue in Ardmore being saturated from five-plus inches of precipitation.

Typically, the USGA prides itself on selecting Open sites that play 'firm and fast'. Unfortunately, that scenario has been washed away.

With soft, receptive conditions now expected, scores will presumably be lower.

Considering the variables at hand, it's going to be very interesting to see if Merion can indeed deliver on the U.S. Open's claim as the 'toughest test in golf'.

No flags, just baskets

Recognized as the signature of Merion and incorporated into the emblem for this year's Open, the wicker baskets residing atop the pins at each hole enhances the mystic of the historic venue.

Contrary to the routine, Merion replaces flags with egg-shaped baskets, painted red on the front nine and a brighter orange on the back.

Aside from serving as a unique visual, the wicker baskets also provide no indication of wind direction around the green, forcing players to use other, non-contemporary methods.

The reasoning for such a trait is basically unknown, with Merion's official website stating, "The wicker baskets' origin is a mystery to this day."

However, it is widely believed that the concept was brought to life by course designer Hugh Wilson back in the 1910s.

The identity of who actually makes the baskets is also a highly-guarded secret, leaving the distinct characteristic open to the imagination.

Anchors away

Three weeks ago, following months of spirited debate regarding anchored putting, golf's governing bodies announced that the method would no longer be deemed legal.

The kicker? The rule doesn't go into effect until 2016.

Thus, no harm, no foul at this weekend's U.S. Open, with four of the last six major championships being won by a player wielding a 'long' or 'belly' putter.

Adam Scott served as the most recent example on his way to winning the Masters in April.

Despite still being completely within the rules, it's hard to imagine those opposed to the method not pressing for a more immediate ban should a non-traditional stroke win on Sunday, or perhaps in one of those epic 18-hole playoffs on Monday.

Power pairings

Let's start with the obvious — Tiger, Rory and Adam.

Enough said.

While the pairing of Woods, McIlroy and Scott — who represent the No. 1, 2 and 3 ranked players in the world — will steal a significant portion of the spotlight through the first two rounds, several other groupings are clearly capable of headlining the leaderboard.

In terms of popularity, no trio is going to boost ratings like the one previously mentioned, combining a polarizing legend with two proven superstars looking to take over the throne.

Woods, McIlroy or Scott are all easy picks to win, yet the entire field shares an unfamiliarity with Merion and the soft conditions should bring numerous contenders into the equation.

On a course expected to reward solid iron and wedge play with distance not necessarily at a premium, here are three additional Thursday-Friday groupings to keep an eye on heading into the weekend: Matt Kuchar, Justin Rose and Brandt Snedeker; Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker and Keegan Bradley; Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell and Zach Johnson.

Tiger's time?

He's won four PGA Tour events and has shown glimpses of that dominant, unbeatable form through the early stages of 2013.

One of his victories included the Players Championship, considered by many as an unofficial fifth major each season.

He's also coming off one of the worst 72-hole showings of his professional career two weeks ago at the Memorial and hasn't won a major since 2008.

So, which Tiger Woods are we going to see at Merion?

Odds makers have him as the clear-cut favorite, some as low as 4-to-1.

Yet, five years have passed since his last and 14th major title at Torrey Pines, a course where Woods has won eight times in his career.

In contrast, Tiger has never played a professional tournament at Merion.

Even so, it's hard to bet against arguably the greatest golfer of all time, regardless of event or venue.

Whether or not this is the week he closes within three of Jack Nicklaus' mark of 18 remains unknown.

But, as even Tiger himself admits, his success is measured by major championships, with No. 15 seemingly there for the taking.

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